Carlos Zambrano tossed seven strong innings to win his fourth consecutive decision, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday at Wrigley Field.

Zambrano (7-6) is unbeaten in six starts since rejoining the rotation on Aug. 9. He held the Mets to two runs and four hits while walking two and striking out eight to pass Kerry Wood for third on the Cubs' all-time strikeout list.

The Cubs spoiled 20-year-old right-hander Jenrry Mejia's first major league start. Mejia (0-3) allowed four runs and eight hits over five innings. He also walked and struck out two.

Aramis Ramirez belted his 21st homer of the season, a solo shot off reliever Elmer Dessens in the seventh, and Marlon Byrd added two hits and an RBI for the Cubs.

Chicago rookie Starlin Castro had his sixth consecutive multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 to raise his average to .321. The 20-year-old Castro entered the day with the National League's third-highest batting average behind Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies and Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds.

Carlos Marmol struck out the side in the ninth for his 27th save.

The Cubs have won three straight, including the first two against the Mets to ensure their fourth consecutive series victory since interim manager Mike Quade took over Aug. 22.

Ike Davis blasted his 16th home run and Carlos Beltran added three hits for the Mets.